State Lawmakers Pause Debate on Short-Term Rental Bill Amid Rising Controversy

Debate Over Short-Term Rentals Returns to South Carolina State House

LOWCOUNTRY, S.C. — The debate over short-term rentals returned to the South Carolina State House on Tuesday, as lawmakers and community leaders weighed in on House Bill 3861. The proposed legislation seeks to limit the authority of local governments in regulating short-term rental properties.

House Bill 3861 would prohibit municipalities, counties, or other political subdivisions from enacting or enforcing ordinances that ban the rental of residential dwellings to short-term guests. The bill also outlines penalties and definitions related to such regulations.

Despite public testimony and discussion, the House subcommittee ultimately voted to postpone further debate. Six committee members supported the motion to adjourn, marking yet another delay in a conversation that has resurfaced multiple times in recent years.

Representative Joe Bustos, a Charleston County Republican and the subcommittee chair, acknowledged the recurring nature of the bill. “It’s come up three times and hasn’t moved forward,” he said. “Each time, there seem to be more questions than answers. We don’t want to force this on anyone. We have to get the questions answered.”

Bustos emphasized the need to balance local control with property rights, a central tension in the ongoing debate. He noted concerns from residents about increased traffic and community disruption caused by short-term rentals, as well as uncertainties surrounding tax impacts and municipal responsibilities.

“No one wants to ban them,” Bustos said, “but all the counties and municipalities feel they should have the ability to manage them.”

Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie, a vocal opponent of the bill, also addressed the subcommittee, urging legislators to preserve local governments’ authority over short-term rental regulations.

“I’m just asking y’all as a state to not take this away from us. That’s why local government exists in the first place,” Haynie said. He pointed out that municipal infrastructure—from parks to sanitation—is designed around the needs of local residents.

“Those of you from other parts of the state will never have to answer to the voters of Mount Pleasant,” Haynie added. “We have to answer to all 97,000 of them.” He also noted that Mount Pleasant’s short-term rental association supports the town’s current regulations, which were developed in collaboration with the community to remain fair and reasonable.

With the bill’s discussion now paused, its sponsors will use the time to address the outstanding questions raised by lawmakers and stakeholders. However, with the end of the legislative session approaching, Bustos acknowledged that House Bill 3861 may need to be refiled in January.

Written by Lauren Lennon. Originally published on WCIV, April 23, 2025.